Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have reportedly outgrown their small mansion in California, which cost $14 million.
The couple is now said to be on the hunt for a new home in a private community in California, as their current $4 million mansion does not adequately accommodate their needs.
The exclusive Santa Barbara suburb of Hope Ranch has caught the attention of Meghan and Harry, who are considering a potential move.
However, this news has raised concerns among the residents of Hope Ranch.
TMZ has reported that the potential move of the Sussexes has already caused anxiety among the locals, particularly within the Homeowners Association at Hope Ranch.
While the residents of Hope Ranch do not hold any personal resentments towards the royal couple, they are worried about the increased attention and potential disruptions that Meghan and Harry’s presence could bring to the area.
Some members of the community fear that the couple’s fame and controversial reputation might turn their quiet and private neighborhood into a circus.
Sources close to the Homeowners Association have expressed their concerns, highlighting issues such as increased traffic.
The narrow and winding roads of Santa Barbara have always been a problem for the residents, who have strived to protect their community from excessive traffic.
Additionally, the presence of paparazzi hoping to catch a glimpse of the royals is another worry for the residents, especially when it comes to the safety of children playing and walking to school.
Hope Ranch, located 10 miles from their current residence in Montecito, offers amenities such as a country club, golf club, tennis court, and equestrian trails.
However, there is uncertainty regarding Harry’s beloved sport of polo and where he will be able to play if they make the move to Hope Ranch.
Although rumors suggest that Harry and Meghan may have already purchased a property in the area, no confirmation has been made.
It remains unclear whether the couple is seeking a larger or smaller home than their current mansion.
Regardless, a move to Hope Ranch would provide a quieter community for the royal couple and their two children.
In recent news, it was revealed that the police have installed license plate scanning cameras near their mansion due to a rise in crime in the neighborhood.
The Montecito Association issued an email to residents, including Harry and Meghan, explaining that the cameras were installed as a response to high-value property crimes committed by sophisticated theft gangs from outside the area.
Additionally, there have been reports of professional burglars operating in the region, prompting the authorities to prioritize the functioning of these cameras to capture any suspicious activity.
As Harry and Meghan continue their search for a new home, it seems that wherever they go, attention and concerns will surely follow.